Our History

Agate City was founded in 1962 by Art Rafn, grandfather of current co-owner Nancy Lynch, and the business stood beside Highway 61 just outside of Two Harbors, MN, proudly serving rockhounds and tourists for decades. When Bob Lynch, a silversmith, moved to Two Harbors for work and met Nancy, his eyes were opened to the enigmatic world of Lake Superior agates and soon the duo reopened and revitalized Agate City in 1992. The shop was moved into town and over the course of several renovations and after serving tens of thousands of customers, Bob and Nancy have become a trusted source of agates and information in the heart of Lake Superior's North Shore. With more Lake Superior agates on display and for sale than any other shop in the world, Agate City has certainly become a destination for agate enthusiasts.

Bob and Nancy's son, Dan R Lynch, has played a role in the shop as well, spearheading their series of rock and mineral identification field guides. Read more about their book projects here.